PSAT Reading Question 69: Answer and Explanation

Question: 69

In the speech, Churchill claims that his administration must be formed more quickly than usual because

• A. the king has told him to act with haste.
• B. Parliament has been united under three party leaders.
• C. the British Empire is in danger of losing the war.
• D. the international political situation requires unusual measures.

Correct Answer: D

Explanation:

D

The question asks why Churchill claims his administration must be formed more quickly than usual. Notice that this is the first question in a paired set, so it can be done in tandem with Q13. Look at the answer choices for Q13 first. The lines for (13A) say only that Churchill received His Majesty's commission to form a new Administration, not why that administration needed to be formed. These lines do not support any of the answers to Q12, so eliminate (13A). The lines for (13B) say that It was necessary that this should be done in one single day, on account of the extreme urgency and rigour of events. This information matches (12D), indicating that the current situation requires unusual measures. Draw a line connecting (13B) and (12D). In the lines for (13C), Churchill asks for allowances…for any lack of ceremony due to the quick nature of the political reconstruction. However, these lines do not explain why his actions had to be quick; they don't support any of the answers to Q12, so eliminate (13C). The lines for (13D) discuss why the British need to prevail in their fight, not why Churchill needed to form his administration quickly. These lines do not support any of the answers for Q12, so eliminate (13D). Without any support in the answers from Q13, (12A), (12B), and (12C) can be eliminated. The correct answers are (12D) and (13B).